Healthy Living Tips from
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | February 2021
HEALTHY TIP : Post-COVID Recovery Program Tailored for Long Haulers
As the number of COVID-19 cases nationwide mounts , the group of people who call themselves “ long haulers ” -- or those who continue to have symptoms and medical problems weeks after they were first affected -- is expected to grow .
Medical professionals and researchers throughout the country are studying long COVID to try to determine what causes it , how it affects the body , what are the best ways to treat it , and if the coronavirus causes new , previously undiagnosed problems in those who contracted it .
Deborah Heart and Lung Center , New Jersey ’ s premiere specialty heart , lung , and vascular hospital , has launched a new Post-COVID Recovery Program , specifically designed to address the needs of these patients .
A Targeted , Tailored Program
Developed under the hospital ’ s Pulmonary Department , and overseen by Deborah ’ s Pulmonary Chair Andrew Martin , MD , the program is focused on addressing the present – and emerging – medical problems of patients who are still experiencing symptoms six weeks following infection , or have developed new , previously undiagnosed symptoms . Patients who were ventilated during their illness are especially at risk for continuing symptoms .
According to John Hill , Vice President , Pulmonary Services at Deborah , patients have a wide range of symptoms .
“ They could have shortness of breath , excessive fatigue , persistent cough , joint pain , chest pain , brain fog , or heart palpitations ,” he said . “ When we assess each patient -- depending on their needs -- we ’ ll pull in a wide range of services including cardiology , pulmonology , hematology , radiology , pulmonary rehab , cardiac rehab , and physical therapy to create a specific targeted , tailored program .”
“ Our goal is to help patients recover strength and functionality , and prevent ( or manage ) new lifelong chronic health conditions . We do not want a generation of COVID-19 survivors to have on-going health and medical problems .”
For more information about the Post-COVID Recovery Program and patient eligibility , www . DemandDeborah . org or call 855-646-3484 .
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